The Vanuatu Affordable and Resilient Settlement Project (VARS) will help 130 low-income earners acquire land, with each plot priced at around 1.7 million vatu.

VARS, established in 2022 under the Ministry of Lands with support from the World Bank, has acquired 10 hectares in the Etas area on Efate. The land has been subdivided into 130 residential lots as a pilot for low-income earners.

Project Manager Lawrie Carlson said the initiative is designed to support those who currently cannot access the housing market.

“It is designed for the economic life impact—people who cannot access the market right now. The project represents a policy shift as the government focuses on those who cannot enter the market. It is an opportunity for the government to step in and act like a developer to fix that problem.”

Minister of Lands, Rick Tchamako Mahe, said the project will prioritise applicants earning the minimum wage of 300 vatu per hour.

“The minimum wage the government has set is the standard, and those earning at that level are the first priority. There are technical teams in place, and people must apply and go through a committee process before reaching the final stage of receiving a lease.”

Each plot measures 400 square metres, a change from the previous regulation of 1,000 square metres at Stella Marie.

Lead contractor Sandrino Traverso said the project is expected to be completed by May next year, ensuring high-quality construction standards.

The government aims to generate around 200 million vatu in revenue from this first rollout, with plans to expand the project if successful.